Interview with Preetesh Balyaya, captain of the Mumbai Gladiators: "We are warriors when we enter the field"

Cutting an imposing figure, Preetesh Balyaya, captain and offensive linesman of the Mumbai Gladiators, is every bit as uncompromising as his looks. Beyond the strapping frame though, is a very open, highly passionate and gregarious speaker as well, who wears his heart on his sleeve.

Preetesh was awarded the Sandy Grossman award for being the Best Offensive Linesman in the first season of the Elite Football League of India (ELFI), and he goes by the nickname of ‘Hellboy’, for he claims that that’s what he brings when he steps onto the football field.

I caught up with him on his time out to talk about his experiences, his award, his captaincy, and most importantly, his team.

Preetesh with the Sandy Grossman award for Best Offensive Linesman

Hi Preetesh, thanks for your time. Speaking to the EFLI players, each from their varied backgrounds is just an amazing experience. Tell us a little bit about your life before the EFLI and American football happened.

Before I took up American football, I was into my father’s business, helping him out. I was doing my judo and I was also into weightlifting and sumo wrestling.

That’s indeed a wide assortment of sporting endeavours that you were into earlier Preetesh and a strong sporting background. So was it the coach who first contacted you?

Yes, it was the coach of the Mumbai team who first contacted me and told me to show up for the trials, despite some issues that I was facing at the time. He just called me up and told me about upcoming selections for American football and asked me if I’d like to give it a try. I was initially not very inclined, but having been a sportsman all my life, I was always going to say ‘yes’, never being one to turn down any sporting opportunity.

So then I went for the selections, and it was a tough one. I had to go through more than four selections, and it wasn’t just me; everybody there went through some rigorous selections.

So that’s how we got there; I wasn’t good, at least that’s what my colleague said about me when I first came. But then here I am now, having received the award for Best Offensive Linesman in the first season of EFLI and the captain of the Mumbai Gladiators. So I guess I have proved myself.

You told me that you were into judo, sumo wrestling and weightlifting earlier. Now barring weightlifting, the other two can both be called combat sports. Was that combativeness and physicality something that drew you to American football as well?

Absolutely! It was just amazing! You had shoulder pads and lots of other gear and, you know, when you wear all of that and step onto the field, you are no longer a normal human being, you are transformed into a warrior. Probably you just need a sword in your hand.

I was into judo earlier, I loved judo; judo was my passion. But now, that has been totally changed. I think American football would come first in priority, and then everything else.

And coincidentally, the name of your team is also the Mumbai Gladiators, so kind of fits, don’t you think?

I am telling you that we were so lucky to get that name. Like I said earlier, all of us wearing those shoulder pads and other gear, we are warriors when we enter the field. And we don’t have swords, but we are the swords, as we clash with each other during the game. That’s the fun that is there in this game, that’s what American football is all about. It’s about passion, love and everything else, respect for everyone involved – the players, the coaches, the management. When you start playing this game, you start learning everything.

So, you said you went through four rounds of selections during the trials. Was it just the Indian coaches who were there or did you also have coaches from the US coming over?

The first round of selections we had the Indian coaches and then from the third round of selections onwards we had the US coaches who had come down. They were so amazing, they knew the game that was required from each of us. Even the Indian coaches were finding it difficult initially and struggling a bit since they were new to the game, but once the US coaches came in they were so dedicated to us, they made us feel and understand what American football is all about. So I really appreciate the work that they did and their role during the selections.

This game was new to you, with movies and perhaps television your only encounter with this game previously, especially since you weren’t from the rugby background either, like some of the other players. How was the experience initially playing this game?

I actually had never even watched NFL before. I had only seen this in movies – We Are Marshall, The Longest Yard – and so it was completely new to me. Then I slowly started going online and looking up NFL videos. I told my quarterback, his name is Viraj Khelekar, to download all the NFL games, college games that he could find and give them to me.

And when I used to come to my father’s office, even now I’m sitting in my cabin, what I used to do was go watch these videos of the game. That just makes my day, from morning to evening, just football.

Like you’ve mentioned earlier, the gear in American football has a special attraction to it. If you were to choose one, what would be your favourite piece of equipment?

See, being a linesman, the only thing that hurts us guys is that we never get the ball. (Chuckles)

And in football they say that the only people who become famous are the people who receive the ball, which is either the tight ends, the receivers, the quarterback or the running backs. And if the corner backs are lucky with the interceptions and stuff, they sometimes get the ball.

So what I thought was, why not I go play defensive linesman, so that even if I don’t get the ball, I can at least take care of the guy who has the ball, that’s how I can take out my aggression on him.

What happens with the defensive linesman is that once you go inside, you either sack the quarterback or ‘kill’ (term used to refer to stopping the play) him. So once the ball is loose from his hands, I can pick up the ball and go forward.

So talking about favourite, I don’t think there is any particular favourite that I have. Only thing that amuses us is the ball, because when we used to practice our American coaches used to tell us – “Guys, never drop the ball. Imagine that this ball is not a ball, but a million dollar contract that you’re holding in your hands.”

So, you know, whenever we see the ball, we see a million dollar contract. That’s the most favourite part of American football, the ball!

Preetesh, you’re the first linesman I’m talking to. Could you just explain a little about this position of yours in American football?

The best thing about this is that you need to be very much fit. I will tell you about both, offensive and defensive, alright.

As an offensive linesman, it is very important for you to be huge and the most important thing is you need to be very sharp. You need to use your brains, you need to make some plan, you need coordination, eye contact, everything. It is one of the most difficult things to do in American football, being an offensive linesman, because the only thing that is important for you is to save your quarterback.

And there are five players in the line, and each individual has his own responsibilities. Now, the best thing about this is that we are a group of five, but still, every guy has his own duties. Every guy has to protect his own layer so that the defense can’t get inside, because if the defense gets in they will sack the quarterback and the ball is lost. This is one of the best positions in the game.

Then comes defensive line. Just like the offensive one, the defensive line also has four people who will be standing in front of the offensive line of the opposition. Now, even here they have to be very sharp, they need to check whether the ball has been thrown, because if the ball is snapped and the offense gets in, then there is a penalty against the defensive team. So they need to be very sharp, very agile and very quick, almost like lightning speed.

Once the ball is snapped, there is a call, ‘Down, set, go’, and when the quarterback says ‘Go’, the offensive linesman throws the ball. The defensive line has to be so quick, you can’t even imagine how fast it happens. We then have to use our power to face off against the opponent’s offensive line, and it’s like two elephants fighting, like two bulls charging at each other. One bull is trying to protect and the other one is just looking to go past.

So, I think I’m so lucky that I have been selected for this position and now I’ve started playing D line, this is the best position I think in American football.

So, you’re just absolutely enjoying playing in this position right now and wouldn’t trade it for any other position?

You know what, I’ll tell you, the best thing about our team is that there are few players who turn up for practice. So what we do is we play every position, and you won’t imagine, I sprint, I go and catch the ball. And sometimes if there is no running back, we stand next to the quarterback, receive the ball and rush.

The best thing about American football is that you can play any position if you have the passion. If you have the guts, the passion and the dedication, except perhaps being a quarterback which is quite difficult because you need to be able to throw, one can play almost every position.

And the position that I would like to play if not offensive linesman, there are actually two positions, one is running back, so that I can get the ball, keep it with me and rush for the yards, and the second is tight end.

And Preetesh, coming to the Mumbai team, last year you guys narrowly missed out on the semi-finals losing to Delhi. Was it like a really tough loss?

We were a little short on players at the time of the match, but we battled on despite that. Unfortunately, the quarterback threw the ball, the receiver got it, but he couldn’t go for the touchdown, or else it could’ve been us in the semis.

But that’s the past, and we’ve got lots of things to learn from that.

So your thoughts on this team, captaincy and how you have enjoyed playing with them.

First of all, I just want to say hats off to every player of the Mumbai Gladiators, they played their hearts out. I think we actually are very deserving of this team name. They just laid it all out there in the first season.

You know, as I’m talking to you right now about our exploits, I’m getting goose bumps.

That’s what this game is about, that’s what this team is about, it’s about dedication. And though we were very heartbroken when we lost, we were proud that we never gave up, that we fought the war. We followed our coach’s orders said and backed each other up.

And now, even during the off-season, we are getting together, motivating each other as we have a match coming up against Hyderabad, which is a very good team right now. So, we are practicing our hearts out.

Our quarterback, Viraj, had been to US after the first season and he has now come back and is teaching us the drills. We’re hoping for the best, and I too might be going to the US in February, for training.

So, we’re up for the fight. I’m so happy for these people, the way they turn up for practice, do the gym schedule and manage their diets and everything.

And on captaining this team….

Coming to captaincy, the best thing about my players is that they all trust me. I mean, what else do I need? This is the best thing about our team, we are always together.

I am the captain only because they chose me. We had a captain earlier, who is currently not in the team. And the management decided that I should become captain, to which I told them that it may be their decision, but it had to be backed by the players. Because, they weren’t going to support me and play with me, these guys were. I wanted to ask them and they said ‘OK’, that they were comfortable with me leading the team.

And today, when I talk to some of the players, they tell me that it was a very good decision to make me the captain and that the team has progressed a lot. So, what more do I need? I’m very thankful to all the support I have received from my team.

What do you feel about how the EFLI managed the various teams last season, and how does it feel to have the famous Booty brothers as your new owners?

First of all I am very thankful to the founders of the EFLI, they had this dream and passion to bring the game here and it has given us so much in terms of our life. Whatever I am today is because of their dream and the hardwork that they’ve done to bring this league together. And it is not just about the money, the money is not that important. What is important is that we are getting to play something that we like, we are getting the recognition, the fame. So I’m very thankful to both Richard and Sunday for whatever they have done.

So the management has been doing lot of things for all the teams, but then suddenly we get this news that we have got the Booty brothers as our owners.

Amongst all the teams, I think we are one of the luckiest teams, first we got the ‘Gladiators’ name and now we have the Booty family as our owners, for whom football has been their life. They are former players and I have spoken to them personally over the phone and they are very nice.

And when I was speaking to him, I told him that this was like a New Year present for us. Brother, this is just so big for all of us; the Booty family, they are like football royalty, for them the game is like cricket in India. And the best thing about them is that they are so down to earth. These people are like the equivalent of Amitabh Bachchan for us.

When I was talking to one of the brothers, he was just so casual. He was like, “Hey, what’s up man? How’re you doing Champ? I’ve seen you and your guys play and I’m very happy to be part of your team”, and stuff like that. After which I confirmed if he really was Abram Booty (laughs), to which he was pretty surprised.

He was just so cool, and so chilled out, and whenever I speak to him, it’s as if I’m speaking to my college friend. I still can’t believe it! He just told me that now we were all part of the same family. So we have a good connection with him.

Coming to the award you received, the Sandy Grossman award for Most Outstanding Offensive Linesman. It must have been a great honour to receive this. Did you have your sights set on this award even before the start of the season or was it just something you’re happy you got?

I will actually tell you a story about this. We were in Pune for a camp before going to Sri Lanka for the first season and we had an American coach there called Mark Philmore, he’s now in Poland.

We were travelling in a bus going from Pune to Mumbai, when I went up to him and asked him, “Coach, can I ask you something?”. And he said, “Yes Preetesh, tell me what is it?”

“Coach, it is very disheartening, but I think I should not be a linesman?”, to which he replied, “Why is that Preetesh?”

And I told him that it was because I had not seen any linesman receive any awards. And he told me that there was indeed an award for best linesman and that I was misinformed. The day he said that, I just wanted to get that award so bad.

Then we reached Sri Lanka, and I was told about the Sandy Grossman award for Best Offensive Linesman and my reaction was just ‘Wow’!

And I played my heart out. People said that I was amongst the most intelligent and most stylish linesman to have played, and I was just again, ‘Wow’! That was the feeling in my mind, because that feedback was worth more than the award.

We then lost to Delhi and I left for India to attend my sister’s wedding anniversary. Then, coach Mark called up and told me that he had some good news for me, that I was going to receive the Sandy Grossman award.

To which my reply was, “Are you kidding me? Are you serious coach?”, I was just over the moon.

And, you will not believe it, I was just so angry with my family, I was throwing tantrums as I was selected for an award and I wouldn’t be there to receive it.

But you know, after the initial joy that I had, I was not happy.

Oh! Why was that?

This was actually bugging me for a long time, I kept thinking why I was feeling that way, but I could not figure it out. For some reason, I was not happy after those initial few moments.

Then, I realized, that it had to do with the competition. No offence to anyone I played against, but I knew that I was chosen the best linesman in a season where everyone was new to the game and playing for the first time. So, is there real competition?

So I want to get the Best Offensive Linesman award when I’m playing against the best offensive linesmen from all the teams. In such a situation, when I receive the award, then I can say that, yes, I am the best.

So that was the major reason. People told me that I deserved it, yes, that’s okay, and I’m thankful for that, but I am aiming higher. I mean, brother, I am a sportsman, I need that competition, that’s what drives me to compete harder and better.

So in season 2, now that all the teams would have that experience of the first season and would have identified the best players for each position, you would have that greater level of competition. So getting it again this year will be a big thing, don’t you think?

Absolutely! Brother, this year, I’m just waiting to pounce on everyone. We will be back, we will be back. We have gone through many, many difficulties and we have come through it as gladiators. The dark days are gone, we now have the Booty brothers on our side, this season is going to be exciting.

As I told you, I’m going to the US as well. I want to compete with the players in America, because when I go there I will come to know what my level is. After that, once I come back, I think I will be the best. It’s like someone coming to Mumbai and playing cricket with Sachin in Shivaji Park; when you go back, you will have grown as a player because you have competed with the best.

So I am going to the US, I am going to be slogging it out for 2 months because I want to upgrade myself.

Coming to season 2, what are some of the things that you’re looking forward to or, say, hoping for?

Actually, not from season 2, but before that, what I would like from EFLI and the management is for them to go to every city and do some big promotional activities, like hoardings, or in TV channels, or in print media and promote the game. The Hyderabad team right now is doing an excellent job in this department.

In Mumbai, no one will come to watch American football. When we travel by train to go to practice with the gear, people see us and during training, some people come to watch. But they don’t know what we’re doing, they don’t know the game. It’s just like rugby in India.

And when we say it’s American football, they ask us if it’s rugby. And we have to say, yes, it is to manage them. So the masses have to be educated, they need to be told and informed about the game, and the teams.

Also, I believe, the fact that the entire season was played in Colombo, and the home and away matches did not happen, was another contributing factor to it.

Yes, absolutely. And this season, if it happens, it will be massive. It will be huge, it will really be a big boost for the league and all the teams. And as you know, something like this is already happening; on February 8th we have the pre-season kickoff where all the six Indian teams will be playing.

But yes, amongst the teams if you see, I think Hyderabad is doing a great job. For Mumbai, I have been trying to do as much promotion as possible, sending messages to my friends on WhatsApp, my wife is doing it too, so are my friends. So we are trying to increase the reach of Mumbai Gladiators and EFLI as much as possible and we need all the help we can get.

This second season promises to be very exciting and I believe the Mumbai Gladiators are going to rock.